VERYTHING
he learned about being a father,
Joe Biden said, he
learned by watching his own father. He’d say, “Never explain and
never complain.”

The U.S. Vice President made his remarks as he accepted a Father
of the Year Award from the National Father’s Day Council in
June. The milestone event, marking its 75th
anniversary, was held at the Marriott Marquis in New York.

In introducing “the world’s best daddy,”
Ashley Biden said,
“I am who I am today because of my father.”

She said, “He was the dad who told us we could do anything. He
encouraged our dreams. He said never give up no matter the
difficulties. It’s important to show up for people you love. My
entire life my dad came home for family dinner.”

Her mother told her she should find a man who can love and
respect her like her dad. “Let’s just say he’s made it difficult
for all the men in my life,” Ashley said.

“My children turned out more successful than I,” Joe Biden said.
“That’s how you know you were a successful father.”

Joe Namath,
the former New York Jet and Pro Football Hall of Fame
quarterback, was also honored as a Father of the Year.
Raising two daughters wasn’t easy. “There were many
days,” he said, “when I had to walk out of the house because I
didn’t understand. I learned over the years they are wonderful.”

Mark Shriver,
who has three children and is president of Save the Children
Action Network, served as MC of the event. He presented Father
of the Year Awards also to
Jerry L. Storch, CEO
of Hudson’s Bay Company and has five children, and Master
Sergeant Christopher A.
Irving who has seven children and who retired after 20 years
of service in the Air Force.

Irving brought his commander to the dinner to fill in for his
father who died six weeks ago. “It is kind of difficult to deal
with,” he said. “My dad served 33 years as a Department of
Defense scientist trying to invent things to bring the men and
women home safe.”